Tiger Woods

If you have turned on the television or radio, read a newspaper or looked at the internet in the past few days, you have probably heard about Tiger Woods’ car accident last Friday and the speculation about the circumstances surrounding the accident.  It is safe to assume that employees are discussing it and all the salacious speculation as well.  Could this create a hostile work environment based on gender or race?  It depends on what is said and how often but the answer is that it could at least provide support for a harassment complaint.  Banning discussions of the situation is not feasible so what can an employer do to protect itself?  If you have appropriate policies in place and an appropriate process for reporting complaints, you are covered in this situation and most others.  If you receive complaints or witness inappropriate conduct, act promptly.  If not, maybe all of that training you have invested in is working.